Alzheimer’s disease, an illness characterized in part by severe memory problems. Alzheimer’s is the fourth leading cause of death among adults in the United States, affecting an estimated 5 million people.
Alzheimer’s Disease is progressive disorder that gradually destroys a person’s memory and ability to learn, reason, make judgments, communicate and carry out daily activities. Individuals with more advanced stages of Alzheimer’s disease may also experience changes in personality and behavior such as anxiety, suspiciousness or agitation, as well as delusions or hallucinations. The disease usually starts in middle or old age, beginning with memory loss concerning recent events and spreading to memory loss concerning events that are more distant.